The Island's Food Digest

The first (and second and third…) snows have fallen, the holidays lights are lit, and it’s time for the second edition of our Christmas shopping guide. The Island has a wealth of artisans, farmers, and food producers who would love your support this holiday season. We’re highlighting a few to make it a little easier for your shopping, but do seek out and support your local neighbours and businesses.

Know someone who loves their hot beverages? You can give the tea lover in your life some fantastic brews—why not check out Lady Baker’s Tea or Brigh Music and Tea in Charlottetown for some wonderful teas. More interested in coffee? PEI Coffee Company offers coffee beans that are roasted locally on PEI and they have an online store where you can place an order—great for sending a gift to someone who is away! Buy a pottery mug from one of PEI’s many talented artisans, like Ryan Murphy of Rise Pottery and you’re good to go!

Sugar and spice and everything nice. For the person who has a sweet tooth, there’s lots of choice. Why not gift a dozen handcrafted donuts from Mellow Dough or grab some Next Level Cookies to bring along to a holiday potluck?Other sweet choices include Maritime Marzipan, you can check out their new line of Fritz Chocolates (available online and in stores across the Island). Hey Splendid chocolates are found at the Summerside Farmers’ Market, or you can visit Anne of Green Gables Chocolates for their selection of locally produced chocolates.

On the savory side, Lucky Bee Homestead offers a variety of vinegars, mustards, and chutneys, along with their honey and jams. You can also find a wide range of olive oils on tap at Liquid Gold, should you wish to create the ‘ultimate salad dressing’ gift package for a foodie in your life.

For the baker in your life, Crystal Greens Farm is now offering organic baking mixes. Paired with some baking accessories like a muffin tin, or cookie sheet and your gift giving is complete.

PEI abounds with fantastic chefs and many of them have cookbooks worth sharing. From chef Jeff McCourt’s Flavours of Prince Edward Island: A Culinary Journey, to chef Michael Smith’s many offerings, to classics like One Potato, Two Potato, great local cookbooks can be found in bookstores across the Island.

If you’d rather give an experience to someone, check out The Culinary Institute’s Boot Camp offerings. You can buy a gift certificate for a kid or an adult, and they can choose the boot camp that suits them. Experience PEI offers culinary adventures as well, so you can wrap up a certificate for future fun! The Table Culinary Studio is known for its classes and although they are closed for the season, you can still buy gift certificates for the upcoming 2019 season on their website.

Still on the experience side, who wouldn’t love a night out at a restaurant? There are many great Island restaurants who are focussing on using local products like The Home Plate in Murray River, Stir It Up! or Terre Rouge in Charlottetown, 21 Breakwater in Souris, or Open Eats in Summerside. Pick one of your favourites and they most likely offer gift certificates. Grab a beautiful holiday card and you’re done!

CONTEST ALERT!

A “Jill of all trades” describes Cheryl to a T. From operating her own handyperson company, to selling luxury cars, to working as a film and TV crew member, her resume is diverse. But her dream as a kid was to be a journalist and she started down that path many years ago at CBC Charlottetown. Returning to her journalism roots, she’s excited to be editing Salty’s content and occasionally writing herself.

Upcoming Events

Charlottetown’s original and biggest farmers’ market is open from 9am-2pm year round on Saturdays and Wednesdays 9am to 2pm June 14 to October 4. It’s a Saturday morning tradition for many Islanders and a destination for locals and visitors in search of fresh farm produce, artisanal products, delicious hot food and friendly conversation. Indoor and outdoor eating spaces, a wide…

The Summerside Farmers’ Market is a Saturday ritual for many residents and a great shopping experience for visitors to the Island too! You’ll find vendors selling home-baked goodies, eggs, pork, beef, lamb, organic veggies, preserves and pickles, fruits (in season and frozen), spices, and a large variety of crafts. There are also hot food options, dining areas and a place…

The 3rd annual Christmas dinner for seniors, the less fortunate, and shut-ins that would not be able to have a Christmas dinner with their families takes place at the Murray Christian Centre in Kensington. Volunteers and local businesses have donated their time for this event. For more information, to book a plate, or arrange for a ride, please call Michelle…

Charlottetown’s original and biggest farmers’ market is open from 9am-2pm year round on Saturdays and Wednesdays 9am to 2pm June 14 to October 4. It’s a Saturday morning tradition for many Islanders and a destination for locals and visitors in search of fresh farm produce, artisanal products, delicious hot food and friendly conversation. Indoor and outdoor eating spaces, a wide…

The Summerside Farmers’ Market is a Saturday ritual for many residents and a great shopping experience for visitors to the Island too! You’ll find vendors selling home-baked goodies, eggs, pork, beef, lamb, organic veggies, preserves and pickles, fruits (in season and frozen), spices, and a large variety of crafts. There are also hot food options, dining areas and a place…

If you are a vegan or vegan-curious, join fellow Islanders at Veg PEI’s monthly community potluck at 7 pm at the Haviland Club, 2 Haviland St., Charlottetown. If you’d like to share a dish, remember that all dishes must be vegan—so absolutely no meat, fish, seafood, dairy, eggs, or honey. Please bring your own plate/bowl, utensils, napkins, drinks, etc. This cuts down…

Charlottetown’s original and biggest farmers’ market is open from 9am-2pm year round on Saturdays and Wednesdays 9am to 2pm June 14 to October 4. It’s a Saturday morning tradition for many Islanders and a destination for locals and visitors in search of fresh farm produce, artisanal products, delicious hot food and friendly conversation. Indoor and outdoor eating spaces, a wide…

The Summerside Farmers’ Market is a Saturday ritual for many residents and a great shopping experience for visitors to the Island too! You’ll find vendors selling home-baked goodies, eggs, pork, beef, lamb, organic veggies, preserves and pickles, fruits (in season and frozen), spices, and a large variety of crafts. There are also hot food options, dining areas and a place…

Sourdough bread-making made easy! A hands-on workshop where you learn how to feed and maintain a 100 year old starter that you take home afterwards. An easy to make delicious sourdough bread recipe is demonstrated from starter to finish, and everyone has a chance to sample a freshly baked loaf and more. Email Lucy at PEISourdough@gmail.com to reserve your jar…

Charlottetown’s original and biggest farmers’ market is open from 9am-2pm year round on Saturdays and Wednesdays 9am to 2pm June 14 to October 4. It’s a Saturday morning tradition for many Islanders and a destination for locals and visitors in search of fresh farm produce, artisanal products, delicious hot food and friendly conversation. Indoor and outdoor eating spaces, a wide…